By Ana Farr-Jones

Meet Lauren, our Property Account Manager at Somerset Estates

From preventative maintenance to client relationships, prime property management is a constant process of coordination and care. We asked Lauren to share what happens behind the scenes and how she ensures every home she manages runs seamlessly.

What is your role at Somerset Estates, and what experience do you bring to the team?

I work as a Property Account Manager at Somerset Estates and have been in the industry for over 4 years, specialising in managing prime and super-prime properties. During that time, I have gained hands-on experience overseeing high-value homes with complex requirements, from day-to-day operations through to long-term planning. Working at this level has sharpened my attention to detail and strengthened my ability to anticipate issues before they arise, which is essential when managing exceptional homes for discerning clients.

What does a typical week look like for you when managing prime and super prime properties?

No two weeks are ever exactly the same, which is one of the aspects I enjoy most about the role. A typical week involves visiting the properties I manage to ensure everything runs smoothly and is maintained to the highest standard. I carry out regular inspections, meet with contractors where needed, and check in with clients to ensure nothing has been overlooked.

A large part of my time is also spent responding to client requests, whether coordinating work, sourcing specialist contractors, or managing more urgent matters. The role requires organisation, responsiveness and, above all, a proactive mindset.

What do you think sets Somerset Estates apart in the luxury property management sector?

What truly sets Somerset Estates apart is the genuine care and attention given to each client. It is not simply about managing properties; it is about building strong and lasting relationships. The team takes the time to understand each client’s preferences, expectations, and lifestyle, which allows us to deliver a tailored, discreet service. That personal approach makes a real difference in the luxury property management sector.

What is the most important quality a Property Manager should have when overseeing high-end homes?

Strong relationship building is essential. Whether with clients, contractors or colleagues, clear communication and full transparency are key. High-end properties come with high expectations, so trust is everything. Being reliable, approachable and consistent in communication helps build that trust and ensures everything runs smoothly.

What is one thing homeowners often underestimate about managing a prime residence?

Many homeowners underestimate just how much coordination and attention to detail is required behind the scenes. A prime residence is not only about aesthetics. It involves managing specialist contractors, preventative maintenance schedules, compliance requirements and often complex systems that require expert oversight.

Without a structured and proactive approach, small issues can escalate quickly. Effective management is about consistency and forward planning, rather than reacting when something goes wrong.

What part of your role gives you the most satisfaction?

For me, the most satisfying part of the role is seeing everything come together seamlessly. Whether completing a large-scale project, resolving a complex issue, or simply knowing a client feels completely at ease because they trust us to manage their home, that is what makes it worthwhile.

Building strong relationships over time and knowing you have played a part in protecting and enhancing significant properties is incredibly rewarding.

Tell us something we might not know about you outside of work.

Outside of work, I am very committed to my fitness routine and go to the gym every day. It is a big part of my lifestyle and something I genuinely enjoy. For me, it is not only about physical fitness, but also discipline and mental clarity. Training daily helps me stay focused, manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, which definitely carries over into my professional life. It has become a non-negotiable part of my routine and something that keeps me motivated both in and out of work.

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By Ana Farr-Jones

The post What Makes a Great Property Management Team appeared first on Somerset Estates.

By Ana Farr-Jones

Meet Sophie, our Assistant Operations Manager at Somerset Estates

What is your job at Somerset Estates, and what is your background?

I’m the Assistant Operations Manager, supporting the day to day running of the business. I’ve spent nearly seven years working in Central London’s property market. I started out in a West End estate agency where I learned the ropes and now I’m fortunate to be working in the exciting world of luxury property.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are ever quite the same, which is what makes it so rewarding. I provide operational support across the team, ensuring everything runs efficiently and seamlessly. That means everything from strategic oversight and team coordination to hands on problem solving, whatever is needed to keep the business operating at its best.

What is your favourite aspect of working at Somerset Estates?

The staff. It’s a pleasure to work with such a talented and supportive team. Everyone brings something different to the table, and that makes all the difference in a fast-paced environment.

If there’s one thing homeowners or clients should know, what would it be?

That we genuinely care. At Somerset Estates, we take the time to understand our clients and how they live. Their preferences, their priorities, their pace. We manage every detail of their home with that in mind. It’s not just about fixing problems. It’s about providing a service that is thoughtful and tailored.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

Outside of work, I love to cook and stay active. I’m a regular at spin classes. I also enjoy discovering new places with our dog and am on a constant mission to hunt down the best coffee in London.

Current favourites include:
☕ Velasquez and Van Wezel, Crouch End
☕ FWD Coffee, Shoreditch
☕ Nostos, right opposite our office – dangerously convenient

If you’re interested in applying for a role at Somerset Estates, then please get in touch via our careers page.

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At Somerset Estates, we understand that property emergencies do not follow office hours. Whether it is a burst pipe in the early hours, a security alarm unexpectedly sounding, or an urgent request that simply cannot wait until morning, our clients deserve complete peace of mind, twenty-four hours a day.

Our dedicated team is on hand to respond swiftly and effectively to any emergency – and crucially, to attend in person. With their background in discipline, resilience and decisive action, our team places our clients’ safety and the protection of their homes as the highest priority.

This enhanced service operates 365 days a year, including weekends, Bank Holidays and Christmas Day. In most central London locations, our team can arrive at a property within 20 minutes, ensuring reassurance and continuity of care at all times.

Beyond emergencies, our team can also assist with a wide range of requests out of hours – from overseeing a late-night delivery to ensuring that the home is perfectly prepared for a client’s return.

A Service Beyond Expectation

This expansion represents more than a practical solution: it is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to protect, maintain and enhance the homes entrusted to our care. By combining expertise, discretion and responsiveness, we provide our clients with something invaluable: the freedom to focus on their lives, confident that every detail of their property is in the safest hands.

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Inside Story: Working with Lara Et Al on a Holland Park Residence

An elegant approach to family living, long-term thinking, and what it really means to design a home that lasts

At Somerset Estates, we take pride in supporting exceptional homes long after the last contractor has left. A key part of that process is working closely with interior designers who not only create beautiful spaces but also consider how they will be lived in for years to come.

Our ongoing collaboration with Lara Et Al began at a prime residence in Holland Park, a family home defined by quiet elegance, thoughtful materiality, and a genuine sense of comfort. As property managers, it’s a joy to maintain a space so intuitively designed, where every detail has been considered not just for now, but for what comes next.

In this relaxed Q&A, Lara shares her design vision for the Holland Park project, her approach to luxury interiors in London, and why a trusted management team makes all the difference in preserving that vision long after installation.

We always begin a project with an interview and discovery discussion about how our clients like to live, work, entertain, and relax. We want to get to know all the intricacies and nuances of our clients’ lives, what makes them tick and what makes them shudder in despair! This allows us to build the narrative around their lives and their home, which we can add layers of design language, materials and colour to. We can identify the most important aspects of their lifestyle and focus on them in the design. For a prime property in London, such as this one, warm, earthy-coloured marble is used to create a sense of warmth, stability, and sanctuary for the owners, a signature of luxury interiors that feel deeply personal.

How vital is aftercare in these types of homes? Do you find clients increasingly expect their designers and managers to remain involved beyond completion?

Yes, we are regularly in touch with our clients and/or the property management team, often Somerset Estates, over the years after handover. Whether this be as their family grows and changes, and they require updates, or they purchase secondary homes here or abroad. Trust is the key factor here, and once you have been involved in their homes and lives and consistently looked after a client’s best interests, they will want you to remain integral to their family setup. Bespoke property care doesn’t end at installation; it’s an ongoing relationship.

Looking ahead, what trends are you seeing in luxury interiors that developers and property managers should be aware of?

We are noticing how keeping homes well-insulated and cooled is of high importance as we see the mercury continue to rise. We are also seeing an increasing understanding and request for natural over man-made materials as key in luxury. Along these lines, I think we’ll see a demand for more wonderful, statement stones (or that might just be me, given all our projects 😊). As lives become busier, I also believe that home is truly a sanctuary and needs to be designed with this in mind. Luxury interiors are evolving to reflect not just aesthetics but functionality, something both developers and property managers should be increasingly aware of, particularly when working on prime property in London.

I suggest that you introduce a luxury property management company like Somerset Estates at as early a stage as possible! It will save a lot of time and anxiety further down the line when you are trying to work out how to reprogram a lighting system or who to talk to about the air conditioning. Once you have a management team in place, they can take care of the O&M manuals and be best placed to know how to deal with any potential issues and/or maintain in a way that avoids them. Early post-construction support is absolutely key in these types of properties.

And finally, what does ‘home’ mean to your clients, and how do you help bring that feeling to life?

As I touched on earlier, in the midst of their very busy lives, our clients need a home to be a sanctuary. For us, as their team, we need to ensure that, from the moment the car pulls onto the drive to when they drop into their plump pillows at night, they feel calm, happy, at ease, and looked after. Intuitive technology, lighting that sets a calm mood, spaces that are easy to navigate and materials that feel luxurious to touch are part of that overall picture. When designing luxury homes, especially a prime residence,we always aim to create bespoke interiors that feel restorative, familiar and beautifully functional.

To explore more of Lara Et Al’s work, please visit www.laraetal.com.

Photography by Marc Smith 

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At Somerset Estates, we pride ourselves on our personable approach to luxury property management and bespoke estate services for prime residences across London and Surrey. Each client is assigned a dedicated Property Account Manager who is their single point of contact, ensuring seamless communication, tailored property care, concierge property services, and high-touch support for your high-end home. From proactive maintenance planning to bespoke estate solutions, your manager oversees every detail of your property with unrivalled precision.

Meet Benjamin Brown, our committed Property Account Manager, who oversees an exclusive portfolio of high-end homes across London and Surrey with passion and precision.

What is your job at Somerset Estates, and what is your background?

As a Property Account Manager, I deliver personalised property portfolio management and luxury home stewardship, ensuring each prime residence benefits from comprehensive maintenance and bespoke solutions. My career began in logistical planning at a builder’s merchant, inspiring my passion for high-end estate services and preventive home maintenance.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day revolves around proactive property checks and tailored client-focused property solutions. I visit Surrey properties and London townhouses to conduct bespoke inspections, liaise with contractors for same-day repairs, and coordinate preventive maintenance plans. Back in the office, I update our CRM property management platform, schedule long-term estate upkeep, and respond to client requests with our signature concierge property services.

What is your favourite aspect of working at Somerset Estates?

I thrive on delivering unparalleled service at Somerset Estates. My commitment to exclusive property services and high-touch client care sets us apart in the luxury property market. Crafting bespoke maintenance programs and building lasting relationships with homeowners gives me immense pride.

If there was one thing homeowners should know, what would that be?

“Prevention is better than a cure.” Implementing a planned preventive maintenance schedule for your luxury home minimises unexpected issues, preserves property value, and provides peace of mind. Proactive estate management is the cornerstone of our approach.

Can you share an interesting fact about property management?

Modern property management traces its roots to 18th-century estate stewards who maintained meticulous ledgers of repairs. Today, our advanced CRM property management system offers real-time data and service histories, elevating bespoke estate services to new heights.

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?

I studied Conservation Biology at university, researching international cohabitation strategies to protect biodiversity. This taught me the importance of proactive stewardship, whether nurturing natural habitats or managing luxury properties.

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By Ana Farr-Jones

Somerset Estates recently brought together 22 of the most influential women in the property world for an exclusive celebration at Brasserie of Light. Hosted by Philippa Somerset, the event recognised the achievements of women in the industry and highlighted the impact they continue to make in shaping the future of property and luxury estate management.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Philippa from Somerset Estates and Yaeger from Bloom

                                                                                                                                                                                               Philippa from Somerset Estates and Correna from Timothy Hatton Architects

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Brasserie of Light, breakfast menu

Looking Ahead: Women Shaping the Future of Property

This gathering was more than just a celebration; it was a moment to recognise our collective strength and the impact we have as women in business. It showcased the power of collaboration, mentorship, and representation in an industry where women continue to rise.

At Somerset Estates, the belief in a future where success is measured not by gender but by passion and purpose remains strong. Events like these remind us of the power of community and the importance of championing each other’s successes.

The energy in the room was inspiring—a shared commitment to supporting one another, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring the next generation of women in property find doors already open for them.

Here’s to every woman leading the way.

Image 3: Lula @ Cornflake and Mai @ La Associates Architects

Image 4: Sally @ John Lullen Lighting, Philippa @ Somerset Estates and Sarah @ Fox Interiors

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What are the must-have amenities in a luxury home in 2025, and how do you ensure they remain relevant long-term?

Luxury properties often now cater to a holistic lifestyle, incorporating wellness, entertainment, and advanced security. The Hyde Park Gate residence includes:

• A state-of-the-art cinema for private screenings.
• A full spa and leisure complex, with a swimming pool, sauna, and wellness area.
• Smart home integration, offering seamless control over lighting, climate, and security systems.

To ensure long-term relevance, these features must be future-proofed through:

• Adaptable technology, allowing upgrades without major overhauls.
• Premium materials and finishes that stand the test of time.
• Proactive maintenance plans, ensuring all facilities operate efficiently year-round.

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At Somerset Estates, our team is at the heart of everything we do. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Daniel. Here’s what he has to say about his role!

What is your job at SE and what is your background?

I am a Property Manager at Somerset Estates, which involves managing a portfolio of private properties across Central and North London. My background is in managing large department stores, which includes all aspects of running a building, from people management, to facilities, such as the fabric of the building. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

An enjoyable aspect of my role is that there is no real ‘typical’ day. Often I will start the day with a visit to a client’s property and will make a record of the visit on our bespoke software. I will then return to the office and follow up on any maintenance requirements or tasks within my portfolio, engaging with clients, contractors and others in the Somerset Estates network. Often this involves self-learning to solve problems if they are presented.

What is your favourite aspect of the role at SE? 

At Somerset Estates we truly put the clients’ needs at the forefront of everything we do, and plan our days to give clients priority, time-wise. Providing that personal service brings me great satisfaction.

In your opinion, if there was one thing homeowners should know what would that be? 

It’s not the most exciting thing, but I believe knowing the terms of your insurance is important. For example, if a client’s property is vacant often there are requirements (such as regular inspections, flushing taps, heating and electrics) that need to be checked and organised. 

Can you share an interesting fact about property management?

In ancient Rome, wealthy individuals would hire Property Managers known as villicus, to manage their estates. The term “villicus” referred to the estate manager and this role was crucial, as the villicus had to ensure the productivity and profitability of the estate by managing the workforce, maintaining equipment and infrastructure, and overseeing the planting and harvesting of crops which is not too far from what we do today, apart from the harvesting! 

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?

In my spare time, I love running and all things outdoors. I don’t know how many half and full marathons I have completed over the years on the trails, but distance running is a passion of mine!

If you’re interested in applying for a role at Somerset Estates then please get in touch via our careers page.

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Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to Karen Howes, the Founder and CEO of one of London’s most prestigious interior design companies, Taylor Howes. Described as a ‘serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and passionate advocate for excellence in business and personal relationships’, this summary of my interview provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of a remarkable woman.

Karen’s story

Karen started Taylor Howes 30 years ago when it was ‘just her, the dog and a couple of associates!’ Slowly, over 30 years, she has built up an amazing practice which she is really very proud of. She told me, ‘Taylor Howes has become my second family, and I’m still just as passionate about it today as I was then. We’re a team of 30 designers based in Knightsbridge: we work all over the world, working with incredible clients on incredible projects together with some mutual clients. For me, as I’ve gone through my journey, it’s as much about the people as it is about the designing.’

Core values

I asked Karen what sets Taylor Howes apart from other interior design businesses and she believes that essentially, it is to do with their core values, which are kindness, honesty and passion. ‘When we go on that interior design journey, we get to know our clients really well. 60% of our projects are repeat clients, and we often work on multiple projects at the same time. When clients come back to us time and again, I always know we’ve done a good job.’

The launch of Studio Howes

Karen recently launched a second arm to her business called Studio Howes. It came about because she had a client’s daughter who needed some help. She explained that Studio Howes is really a first-year solution to help the next generation and, unlike Taylor Howes, much of it is not high-end bespoke design. 

Adapting to changing needs

Karen firmly believes that her business has to adapt and respond to a client’s changing needs. We discussed the time where a client who started off wanting help with just two pieces of furniture, but they ended up with a long contract. She described how they had an instant connection mainly because the client always insisted on the best possible standards. Karen commented: ‘He had immaculate taste and wasn’t prepared to compromise on quality: three years later we are still there!  We’ve seen that project evolve, and we’re now working on another project for the same family, which is really exciting but I can’t tell you anything about it. Confidentiality means everything in the world we work in.’

The importance of confidentiality

I asked Karen how she dealt with issues surrounding confidentiality at Taylor Howes and she replied: ‘Firstly, we have non-disclosure agreements on probably 70% of our projects. This means that we can’t publicise a huge amount of what we do. Once we’ve completed a client’s project and (as with your business) gained their trust, generally we are allowed to show the results to others providing we do that face-to-face. Understandably, a client does not want their home splashed across various websites and social media platforms. So when it comes to issues of confidentiality we are very, very hot on that. It’s their home at the end of the day and everybody, whatever their budget, whatever their walk of life, should be able to cross that threshold, shut the door and feel safe. Some of our clients who are in the public eye don’t always get that so I think it is really important to keep that trust.’

Managing multiple contractors effectively

It’s clear that Karen has very exacting standards and I wondered how she kept to those standards when multiple contractors were involved. She said she often worked with many contractors and has always been strict about maintaining consistently high standards. She said: ‘I think the best projects come with the best management team who are involved right from the outset. The team needs to know a property inside out before handing it over to the best architect, the best project manager, the best lighting designer, et cetera. There’s a whole myriad of people involved. So if we are brought in first, we can ensure the whole process is managed well; we can bring together all those people who are going to create a special home. You only get the best projects when everyone is working well together. Every project, every client, is different; every end goal is different, and we’re not about churning out the same thing over and over again. We want everything to be unique, and I know that’s what you at Somerset Estates  want too.’

Taylor Howes special relationship with Somerset Estates 

It was wonderful to hear that Karen felt that her company and ours worked so well together. She reminded me: ‘We first worked together through a joint client, who loves the people in your team, and that’s not surprising. When I first met your team, I have to say I found them so professional and easy to work with. Nothing is too much trouble for them and that’s not something you find very often. The fact that the house that we worked on looks as immaculate now as the day we handed it over brings me real joy.  I do remember, Philippa, when you temporarily moved the team here when in-between office moves, for us it was really heavenly; you are so discreet!’

Sharing clients and the importance of discretion

Karen explained that our two companies have very different roles when acting for the same client, and that discretion is vital. She was particularly complimentary about Somerset Estates: ‘I’ve never heard you or your team talk about any clients and that is really so important. Discretion has to go to a different level: you almost can’t quantify it. Clients must feel safe because we know so much about them, and know that things aren’t going to get out into the public arena. They don’t have to worry about that, and from our perspective it’s a mark of honour to command that trust.’ I definitely agreed and added that trust has to come from the top and we have been consistently clear not to talk about clients in public. At Somerset Estates we always reinforce this policy and lead by example.

Managing projects together

Karen thought that: ‘When you have a cohesive team, as we both do, it pays dividends to work together from the outset. With any project, property management should not be seen as an afterthought as you can so easily miss out on a lot of knowledge that is invaluable. This is  particularly important as homes today are super-complicated in terms of the technology and everything else that goes in there. If Somerset Estates are there at the beginning, you will know everything about that home and how everything works.’ I completely agreed with Karen because being there from the beginning helps to ensure that the final handover to the client runs smoothly. 

Business and sustainability

Karen turned her attention to sustainability in the property industry. ‘For some clients, it was not even on their radar. She added:  We’re always trying to be ahead of the game: one of the things concerns sustainability of design and longevity. What we don’t want to do is slavishly follow trends so that in three or four years time they are going to be completely out of date. The best approach is always to make sure that you’re doing the right thing for the planet, that things aren’t being skipped over and then redone.’

The role of women in business

Given everything that Karen has achieved, I consider her to be a real role model both as a business owner and as a woman. I asked how her industry compares today with what it was like 30 years ago and what her journey has been like. She said that there were certainly some struggles to begin with and a good deal of misogyny that they absolutely did not support in the design industry. She went on to say: ‘We have quite a few guys in the studio and they all know and understand what our core values are, but obviously, we cross over into certain industries that aren’t perhaps so kind to women. Where that’s concerned, my attitude is one of zero tolerance.’ 

Making a difference in the community

Knowing that Karen is highly regarded for her philanthropic work, I wondered whether she had any exciting projects ahead of her and she explained that she had a busy autumn ahead. 

‘I do quite a lot of philanthropic work, and just before Covid hit I started an initiative called Rest Nest transforming the nurses’ restroom at St. Mary’s Hospital )which, before the transformation, was described as ‘shockingly awful’. The look on the nurses’ faces at the end was just the best thing, and the best day’s work I’ve ever done. That was just the beginning as we’ve now completed 32 rooms under an NHS Imperial Trust initiative that is still ongoing’. 

‘I’m also very involved with a children’s mental health charity which trains counsellors in helping to deal with schoolchildren’s mental health issues. We place counsellors into schools, generally those educating children under the age of 11, but we’re moving on to other schools where support is needed, including some public schools. It is certainly making a difference to the children who often come from quite complex backgrounds, as well as offering support to parents and teachers alike. That’s part of what I’m working on at the moment, which helps to keep me grounded.’

It was a pleasure to interview Karen and hear all about her journey and we look forward to many more years working together on future projects.
If you would like to speak to us about your upcoming projects or be put in touch with Taylor Howes please contact us at: info@somersetestates.com

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